Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, making it a family favorite. It’s quick to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. The tender chicken absorbs the rich honey-garlic sauce, delivering a burst of flavor with every bite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair well with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Flavorful: The combination of honey and garlic creates a deliciously sticky sauce that will have everyone coming back for more.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or with steamed veggies to suit your family’s preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—it’s just as good reheated!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family gatherings or dinner parties, this dish appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken smoothly, having the right tools is essential. Here are the must-have items for this recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: This multi-cooker speeds up cooking time significantly while ensuring juicy chicken.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for balancing flavors in your honey garlic sauce.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy surface is necessary for chopping ingredients safely and efficiently.

Ingredients

This Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Recipe is a Chinese-style dish bursting with honey-garlic flavor, and is really quick to make.

Chicken Ingredients

• 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce Ingredients

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup onion, diced
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced

Thickening Agent

• 3 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 cup water

Toppings and Serving Suggestions

• Sesame seeds & green onion for topping
• Rice for serving

How to Make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Season well with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, onion, ketchup, oil, and garlic. Pour the mixture over chicken. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to seal.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Cook on the Meat setting (or on HIGH pressure if using a non-Instant Pot) for 15 minutes. Once done, perform a quick release to release steam.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Remove the chicken from the pot but leave the sauce inside. In a small bowl, dissolve 3 teaspoons of cornstarch in 1/4 cup of water. Pour this into your Instant Pot and stir to combine. Press the Sauté button and cook the sauce for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Finish Up

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return it to the pot and toss with the sauce before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve over rice for a complete meal!

How to Serve Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides. Serving it right can enhance the flavors and make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Over Steamed Rice

• Steamed white or brown rice absorbs the sweet and savory sauce perfectly, making each bite a delightful experience.

With Fried Rice

• Pairing this chicken with fried rice adds a crunchy texture and additional flavors from the vegetables and soy sauce.

On a Bed of Noodles

• Serve over cooked noodles for a hearty meal. The honey garlic sauce will cling beautifully to the noodles.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, use large lettuce leaves to wrap pieces of chicken. Top with sesame seeds and green onions for added crunch.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Roasted broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers complement the dish well and add color to your plate.

Topped with Green Onions and Sesame Seeds

• A sprinkle of fresh green onions and sesame seeds not only enhances presentation but also adds a burst of flavor.

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How to Perfect Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Getting your Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken just right can take your meal from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure perfect results every time.

• Use quality chicken: Fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts will cook evenly and absorb the flavors better than frozen ones.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of honey in the recipe or add more soy sauce.
• Don’t skip the quick release: Quick releasing after cooking prevents overcooking the chicken, keeping it tender.
• Thicken the sauce: Use cornstarch mixed with water to achieve that perfect sauce consistency; it should be thick enough to coat the chicken nicely.
• Let it rest: Allowing your chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking lets the juices redistribute, ensuring moist pieces when served.
• Experiment with spices: Try adding ginger or chili flakes for an extra kick in flavor that complements honey garlic beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

Pairing side dishes with Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken can create a balanced meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Steamed Broccoli
   Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrients while balancing out the sweetness of the chicken.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting contrast to the dish’s flavor profile.

3. Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing cucumber salad gives a crunch while cutting through the richness of the honey garlic sauce.

4. Quinoa Salad
   Nutty quinoa tossed with vegetables makes for a healthy side that complements the main dish well.

5. Fried Plantains
   Sweet fried plantains offer a slightly caramelized taste that pairs beautifully with savory dishes like this one.

6. Asian Slaw
   A zesty slaw made with cabbage and carrots provides crunchiness, adding another layer of texture to your meal.

7. Egg Fried Rice
   This classic dish offers protein and is full of flavor, making it an excellent companion to honey garlic chicken.

8. Miso Soup
   A light miso soup serves as an excellent appetizer that cleanses the palate before diving into the flavorful main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks encounter issues when making Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for perfect results.

• Not seasoning the chicken properly – Always season your chicken breasts well with salt and pepper before cooking. This enhances the flavor of the dish significantly.
• Skipping the quick release step – Make sure to perform a quick release after cooking. This helps maintain the chicken’s tenderness and prevents it from overcooking.
• Using too much cornstarch – Be careful with cornstarch; too much can make your sauce overly thick. Stick to the recommended amount for a good consistency.
• Not allowing time for sauce thickening – After adding cornstarch, allow the sauce to cook for at least 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect glaze.
• Overcrowding the pot – Avoid adding too many chicken breasts at once, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to the recipe’s suggested amount for best results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Best used within 2-3 months for quality retention.

Reheating Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave – Use medium power and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken? Here are some common queries answered.

How long does it take to make Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken?

The total time is about 30 minutes, including prep and cooking time, making it a quick meal option.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by about 5-10 minutes.

What can I serve with Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, steamed vegetables, or even noodles for a complete meal.

Is there a way to customize Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli during cooking or adjust the sweetness by modifying honey amounts.

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken is not only quick to prepare but also full of delightful flavors that will please anyone at your table. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or adjust seasonings to suit your taste buds. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!